The Giant Tortoise Population of Aldabra (Cryptodira: Testudinidae)

Abstract

The preliminary results of a study of the endemic giant tortoise population of Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean (Geochelone gigatea Schweiger) are briefly described. Their number would appear to have increased dramatically since the turn of the century to their present level of some 141 000 individuals. Crude estimates of mortality and reproductive rates are also given.